September 12, 2017 — In the Garden State, we are lucky to have beautiful natural surroundings and strong industries. But it takes more than luck to maintain this balance – it takes science. Unfortunately, scientific research is threatened by drastic cuts to non-defense spending that President Trump has proposed and Congress is currently considering. While Congress is not expected to adhere to the president’s proposal, severe cuts are likely to remain and could have substantial impact on programs in northern New Jersey.
Another agency looking after our estuaries and coasts is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is also slated for major cuts. While military spending can help keep us safe, it is not the only budget that can do so – we also need protection from natural “assaults.” Our coasts can protect us and keep us safe – but only if we protect them, which is one role of NOAA. In addition to providing recreation and food, salt marshes are natural “infrastructure,” and damage to them weakens defenses against winds and flooding from storms, hurricanes, and other coastal hazards – a lesson from Houston.
With inadequate coastal protection, even small storms can cause floods that can become expensive by closing roads, overwhelming storm drains and damaging building foundations with saltwater. The marshes themselves are at risk of being overwhelmed by rising seas, and research is critical to learn how to best protect them. The economy, the protection of natural habitat and the vitality of our communities all depend on fully funded scientific agencies.
Congressional action supporting research to protect our estuaries and coasts is essential. Tell your congressional representatives that funding science is the best investment to keep New Jersey waters and residents healthy and safe.